I just signed up for another 5K (the first one got axed because of a 4-week stretch of the flu) and, while I was talking to another friend who is training for a 5K, she asked: Do Epsom Salts really help for achy muscles? Or for anything?

Welp, I've had a really hard time finding any proof that the stuff actually helps your muscles (like scientific proof, though there's plant of "grandma says it's legit" proof). But, there is a fair amount of buzz about it's awesome beauty uses. In fact, the stuff is a hidden skincare gem. Here's a few, non-muscle-soothing ways to use the stuff.

First, you can use it to help clear away blackheads but dissolving 1/2 a cup in hot water, putting your face over the bowl and sitting with your head covered with a towel (like a tent) for three minutes). Blackheads are gone.

Or...you can add a teaspoon to your face wash and use it as a scrub. Need smoother skin all over? Stir up half a cup with equal parts olive oil and go to town.

Since the stuff has anti-inflammatory benefits, you can even use it to sooth a gnarly sunburn using an Epsom-salt-and-water soaked compress. You can also use that compress to help soak out splinters (something to do with osmotic pressure) and to nix swelling post bee sting.